Legal Question in Civil Litigation in California

Re: threatening statements

Anyone can sue for anything. Whether they'll win (or even get past first base) is another story.

The other person would probably be claiming assault -- the apprehension of imminent harm. If the defendant said something to the effect that "I would like to . . .," that's not the same thing as saying, "I am now going to . . ."

Good luck!

Re: threatening statements

If someone offers to kick your ass, there may be better responses than merely "telling them the same thing." A lawyer might treat the initial offer of an ass-kicking as a negotiation:

Vinny Gambini: I understand you played a game of pool with Lisa for $200, which she won. I'm here to collect.

J.T.: How 'bout if I just kick your ass?

Vinny Gambini: Oh, a counter-offer. That's what we lawyers - I'm a lawyer - we lawyers call that a counter-offer. This is a tough decision here. Get my ass kicked or collect $200. Let me think... I could use a good ass-kickin', I'll be very honest with you... nah, I think I'll just go with the two hundred.

J.T.: Over my dead body.

Vinny Gambini: You like to renegotiate as you go along, don't you? Well here's my counter-offer... do I have to kill you? What if I were just to kick the ever loving shit out of you?

J.T.: In your dreams.

Vinny Gambini: Oh no no... in reality. If I was to kick the shit out of you, do I get the money?

Re: threatening statements

You could each get restraining orders against each other and sue each other for harrassment and intentional infliction of emotional distress. But I like Michael Stone's response better.